Anoka girls’ basketball coach serves suspension

Anoka girls’ basketball head coach James Fassett was recently suspended for two days without pay after sending a suggestive message to a 15-year-old student through his Twitter account.

According to Anoka-Hennepin School District Director of Communications/Public Relations Mary Olson, Anoka High School Principal Michael Farley received an anonymous complaint regarding a message on Twitter which was immediately turned over the Anoka-Hennepin School District’s Employee Services Department.

According to the complaint, the Twitter message from Fassett’s account read, “Do you need me to assign someone to butter your muffin” and “Timberwolves game Saturday.”

Fassett was immediately placed on non-disciplinary leave of absence with pay while the investigation was ongoing from Oct. 15-22. He was then suspended without pay for two days and returned to his position as student learning advocate at Anoka High School Oct. 25.

“The district found he used technology in a manner that violated the acceptable use policy,” Olson said.

It did not involve a member of the basketball program or take place during the basketball season, she said.

Fassett admitted to posting the message Oct. 13, which he explained was a reference to a movie quote during the investigation, Olson said.

Fassett, 44, has been employed by the district since 2009 and has been head coach of the girls’ basketball program since 2010.

The district does not have a social media policy, but does have an acceptable use policy for technology-related to student and staff interactions using social media.